Life Without Mother

Dear Mom,

Where do I even start for today? Well, to begin with, we did things a bit out of order. First we read the Nativity story, then opened presents, then checked stockings, instead of checking stockings first. We had our homemade donuts as usual, yet even that was a little different in that we watched a movie (White Christmas) while doing that.
The feel of the day was similar to yesterday—still the Mom-shaped hole in the atmosphere. It was like we didn’t know what to do with ourselves. Pretty much watched movies all day. I love watching them for the distraction, yet there is still the reminder anytime the movie involved parents of what I’m missing or will miss in the future: coming home to my Mom’s open arms and exclamation of excitement with the prospect of my being home for even a few days.
I just have to put one foot in front of the other for the next month, year, five years, ten years—however long it is before I join you with our Savior and Creator!
I’m so jealous right now. You got to spend today with Him—the One whom we are celebrating. What was the party like up there? Or is it just so full of glory everyday that an increase in celebration isn’t possible? I guess I’ll just have to wait and see for myself…

Your daughter,
Hannah